From Aug 1st, Sri Lanka to provide free visas for Chinese tourists

The cabinet of ministers of Sri Lanka has sanctioned a proposal from the Sri Lanka Tourism Ministry to incorporate China in its free visa policy. It will be introduced from Aug. 1, Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga explained on Tuesday.Addressing a media briefing organized at the conclusion of a trip by visiting Chinese journalists to Sri Lanka, Amaratunga explained that for Sri Lanka tourism, China was the second largest market and the free visa policy for the Chinese market would boost up Chinese tourist arrivals.“We are aware that China is one of our main markets. Despite the set back from the Easter Sunday attacks, I am sure this year we will be able to achieve our targets. From August 1, Chinese tourists can come to Sri Lanka without a visa fee and we see this as a landmark decision for the tourism industry,” Amaratunga said.